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Dental Veneers

What Can Dental Veneers Correct?

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells designed to enhance the appearance of your teeth. Veneers may be recommended to improve:

  • Discolored teeth caused by staining, medication, excessive fluoride, or prior dental treatments

  • Worn-down teeth

  • Chipped or broken teeth

  • Teeth that are uneven, misaligned, or irregularly shaped

  • Gaps between teeth

The Dental Veneer Process

Receiving dental veneers typically involves three visits to our office.

Consultation & Treatment Planning

Your first visit begins with understanding your goals and what you hope to achieve with your new smile. Dr. Whelen will carefully evaluate your teeth and determine whether veneers are the right solution for you, while discussing the anticipated results, treatment process, and any limitations. Digital impressions and a comprehensive series of photographs will be taken as part of the evaluation. Dr. Whelen will then use this information to carefully plan your case, and his dental laboratory will create a wax model of the proposed final result, allowing the treatment to be thoughtfully planned before any treatment begins leading to a very predictable result. 

Tooth Preparation

To prepare the tooth for a veneer, a small amount of enamel—approximately the thickness of the veneer—is gently removed from the surface of the tooth. Local anesthesia will be used for comfort. A digital impression is then taken and sent to the dental laboratory, where your custom veneers are created. This process typically takes 2-3 weeks and temporary veneers, based on the final outcome, will be placed during this time. These temporaries allow patients a "preview" of the final result.

Veneer Placement (Bonding)

Once your veneers are ready, Dr. Whelen will carefully evaluate their fit, color, and overall appearance before permanently bonding them to your teeth. Before permanently bonding the veneers, patients are given the opportunity to see and approve the final result during a “try-in,” ensuring they are happy with the color and appearance of their new smile. Each tooth is then thoroughly cleaned and prepared to create a strong, lasting bond, and the veneers are secured using a specialized dental cement. A curing light is then used to harden the cement, followed by any necessary final adjustments to ensure a comfortable bite, a precise seal between the veneer and tooth, and healthy surrounding gum tissue. Patients are always welcome to schedule a follow-up visit to evaluate their new veneers, address any questions, and ensure they are completely comfortable with their new smile.

Advantages of Dental Veneers

Dental veneers offer many benefits, including:

  • A natural, lifelike appearance

  • Excellent gum compatibility

  • Resistance to staining

  • Custom color selection for a brighter smile

  • A conservative cosmetic option compared to crowns, requiring less tooth reshaping

Considerations & Limitations

While veneers are a popular cosmetic solution, there are important factors to consider:

  • The procedure is not reversible

  • Veneers are more expensive than dental bonding

  • Chipped or cracked veneers usually require replacement

  • Some temporary sensitivity to hot or cold may occur

  • Veneers are not ideal for patients with untreated decay, gum disease, weakened teeth, or insufficient enamel

  • Patients who clench or grind their teeth may not be good candidates without protective measures

How Long Do Veneers Last?

With proper planning and care, dental veneers typically last 20 years or longer before replacement may be needed.

Caring for Your Veneers

Veneers do not require special care beyond good oral hygiene. Brush and floss daily, and visit our office regularly for cleanings and exams. 

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